New CPT codes boost coronary CTA

Dear AuntMinnie Member,

Coronary CTA has already begun proving its value in the clinical arena. Now the technique is taking a big step toward demonstrating its economic value with the release of new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes from the American Medical Association.

The new CPT codes won't guarantee that you'll get paid for doing CCTA, but they should clear up the reimbursement picture somewhat by replacing the unlisted procedure code used previously, according to an article by staff writer Tracie L. Thompson that we're featuring in our Cardiac Imaging Digital Community.

Some CCTA practitioners, however, have some concerns about the new codes, particularly due to the fact that they are Category III "data-gathering" codes. Find out what this could mean to your practice by reading the story, available by clicking here.

When you're done, take a look at part II in our series on building a CCTA practice in a community setting. The article, by staff writer Eric Barnes, is full of wisdom from a radiologist who's been there, done that, and lived to tell the tale. Check it out by clicking here.

For other news in cardiac imaging, be sure to visit the Cardiac Imaging Digital Community, at cardiac.auntminnie.com.